Anthony Albanese has responded to the resignation of controversial union boss John Setka with a blunt and curt assessment of the news: 'Good'.
The Prime Minister uttered the single,scathing word after Mr Setka announced late on Friday he would be stepping down as the Victorian state secretary of the powerful Construction,Forestry and Maritime Employees Union (CFMEU).
The controversial union boss stood down ahead of an explosive report published by Nine Newspapers which detailed allegations criminal figures were given lucrative jobs within the CFMEU and used tax-payer funded cars in criminal activities.
Mr Albanese didn't hold back as he gave his one-word assessment of Mr Setka's resignation at a press conference in Brisbane on Saturday.
'I expelled him from the Labor Party in my first few weeks as Labor leader. That was appropriate. John Setka has no legitimate place in the Labor movement,' he said.
'Trade Unions exist to look after workers,to look after their wages and conditions and health and safety.
'They don't exist to engage in the sort of conduct that John Setka has clearly been engaged with.
'It should be condemned. It should be isolated. It should be stamped out.'
Sekta (pictured left) and wife Emma Walters outside Melbourne Magistrates Court in 2019
Mr Setka said the members of the CFMEU made him 'incredibly proud' during his four decades with the union.
It is understood union members were notified of his resignation in a short text which read: 'Brothers and sisters,John Setka steps down as Secretary of the CFMEU Victorian Branch effective immediately,' the message read.
Mr Setka was expelled from the Labor Party in 2019 over comments he allegedly made about domestic violence campaigner Rosie Batty – which he denies.
He was also convicted for harassing his ex-wife.
Mr Setka recently sparked controversy when he demanded the sacking of AFL head of umpiring Stephen McBurney,with the union boss stating he would impede AFL projects unless Mr McBurney was fired.
BrisbaneAnthony Albanese
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